Colorectal Cancer Optimal Diagnostic Pathway

The NHS Scotland Optimal Colorectal Cancer Diagnostic Pathway is designed to diagnose, or rule out, cancer as quickly and efficiently as possible.

This includes the use of qFIT (Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test) in symptomatic patients, alongside timely referral to specialist services and the use of appropriate tests such as colonoscopy and CT colonography, to confirm a diagnosis and guide treatment. Throughout the diagnostic pathway, the patient and their family should receive personalised support and have access to quality information and resources to enable shared decision-making.

The clinically agreed national pathway sets out clear timeframes to achieve a diagnosis by day 28 and commencement of treatment by day 62.

A detailed description of the optimal diagnostic pathway, best practice examples and further resources can be found on the Right Decision Service.

Meanwhile, latest qFIT guidance for NHS Scotland can be found here.